Exercise classes in NYC after a long exercising hiatus!
August 14, 2016 3:29 PM Subscribe
Hi, Fitness Mefites! I am looking for exercises classes in NYC to get back into the swing of more intense exercise. Personal recommendations appreciated! Special considerations inside...
After many years of going back and forth with multiple spinal surgeries (3x lumbar, 1 cervical, dx Cauda Equina Syndrome), I have now been surgery-free for 2 years. I'd like to return to a more interesting and varied exercise program. I have been cleared from my surgeon and my physical therapist, in case anyone is concerned about that.
What I do not want:
I currently walk and do yoga, and some mat Pilates. I have a stretch program and I am not looking for these types of classes. I am not interested in Classpass at this time - mostly because I want to stick with one type of class as I ease back into exercising on a more frequent basis and want to be cultivate an understanding of my limitations in a single class. (I can longer lift heavy like I used to, for instance, and I don't want to be pushed to do so as I know what's best for my spine and my spinal health.) I used to be a long-distance biker, and while I enjoy biking, I find that positionally, this is now no longer great for my back either. So I'd like to avoid Soulcycle type classes.
What I do want!
What I am specifically looking for are recommendations for interesting, fun, and challenging classes in Manhattan (flexible, but Chelsea, West Village would be great as its near my office) or South Brooklyn (Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, etc) that are suitable for a person who used to work out 5x a week and loved boxing and lifting especially, but cannot do them to the degree she used to. I am looking for strength training and conditioning, where participants can vary the intensity of their workout based on their ability. The choices are overwhelming and I'd like to hear from real people about the classes they loved, and ones to avoid.
Also looking for any recommendations for swimming classes that focus on stroke improvement and lap swimming (I already know how to swim well and would love to take a 2x a week class on improving technique.) Most of the classes I've found so far focus on learning to swim, or overcoming fear of the water or 'adult advanced' which I think would not be interesting to me. I am open to private swimming sessions if someone knows a good instructor who has access to pool facilities we could work in.
My overall goals are to improve my health (both mental and physical) with a challenging workout that can scale to my limitations.
After many years of going back and forth with multiple spinal surgeries (3x lumbar, 1 cervical, dx Cauda Equina Syndrome), I have now been surgery-free for 2 years. I'd like to return to a more interesting and varied exercise program. I have been cleared from my surgeon and my physical therapist, in case anyone is concerned about that.
What I do not want:
I currently walk and do yoga, and some mat Pilates. I have a stretch program and I am not looking for these types of classes. I am not interested in Classpass at this time - mostly because I want to stick with one type of class as I ease back into exercising on a more frequent basis and want to be cultivate an understanding of my limitations in a single class. (I can longer lift heavy like I used to, for instance, and I don't want to be pushed to do so as I know what's best for my spine and my spinal health.) I used to be a long-distance biker, and while I enjoy biking, I find that positionally, this is now no longer great for my back either. So I'd like to avoid Soulcycle type classes.
What I do want!
What I am specifically looking for are recommendations for interesting, fun, and challenging classes in Manhattan (flexible, but Chelsea, West Village would be great as its near my office) or South Brooklyn (Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, etc) that are suitable for a person who used to work out 5x a week and loved boxing and lifting especially, but cannot do them to the degree she used to. I am looking for strength training and conditioning, where participants can vary the intensity of their workout based on their ability. The choices are overwhelming and I'd like to hear from real people about the classes they loved, and ones to avoid.
Also looking for any recommendations for swimming classes that focus on stroke improvement and lap swimming (I already know how to swim well and would love to take a 2x a week class on improving technique.) Most of the classes I've found so far focus on learning to swim, or overcoming fear of the water or 'adult advanced' which I think would not be interesting to me. I am open to private swimming sessions if someone knows a good instructor who has access to pool facilities we could work in.
My overall goals are to improve my health (both mental and physical) with a challenging workout that can scale to my limitations.
I loved, loved, loved taking Barre classes. After 4 months I was in the best shape ever and I felt great. It's good for all body types, and good for rehabbing from injuries (I started it due to various running injuries and compartment syndrome). It was challenging and worked muscles I didn't know I had. Every class I left sweating and feeling like I got a great workout. Sadly I had to stop due to the expense, but if you can swing it, that's what I'd recommend. You can adjust what you're doing and class sizes are fairly small which means more individual attention. It addresses strength training and using your body's resistance to build muscle. You don't notice it right away, but after a few classes you can feel yourself getting stronger. The studio I went to also did rehab pilates, which is a special kind of program. I never tried it personally, but heard great things from those who did.
posted by onecircleaday at 12:09 PM on August 15, 2016
posted by onecircleaday at 12:09 PM on August 15, 2016
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posted by Fuego at 10:48 AM on August 15, 2016